Council offers to clean up gardens for free after Carnival

THERE is still time for residents living near the Notting Hill Carnival to apply to have rubbish cleared out of their garden for free.

The council runs a service for residents who are plagued by the annual party on the August bank holiday weekend. Since it began in 1966, the carnival has been celebrated across the city with flowing drinks, vibrant food and heavy bass. But residents who live on the route are often critical of the urine-drenched streets, rubbish and crime.

The council has extended its service so that residents can now apply for the clean-up after the carnival.

Labour’s deputy leader, Cllr Patricia McAllister, said: “I welcome Westminster listening to local residents’ concerns on this issue and that they are now offering more help to people after Carnival.”

Last week, the Extra told the story of Sam Geraint, who lives on the carnival route near Westbourne Park, say- ing that the free clean-up service organised by the council did not cover human waste. Mr Geraint said: “The simple fact is they don’t provide enough loos for the size of the event.”

The council this week said it was doubling the number of toilets at the event. Public protection and licensing chief, Cllr Ian Adams, said: “Each year our staff go above and beyond to ensure that the carnival runs smoothly and causes the minimum disruption to our residents. This year our additional toilet facilities will also prevent many people from being caught short in public.”

Roads around Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park will be closed for the procession over the weekend.